History of Policing
Part of Mosaic Lifespan Curriculum
Open
Caged Bird by Maya Angelou
Read the poem and light the chalice, then to allow a few moments of gentle silence. Encourage youth to be fully present with their bodies and breath and take just a few moments to center.
Read
“The History of Policing in the US and Its Impact on Americans Today”
Watch
“13th - Official Documentary Review” (YouTube, 8:28)
Do
Locate local alternative contacts for services that can replace calling the police.
Close
"A faith that is not the sister of justice is bound to bring people to grief. It thwarts creation, a divinely given possibility; it robs them of their birthright of freedom in an open universe; it robs the community of the spiritual richness latent in its members; it reduces the person to a beast of burden in slavish subservience to a state, a church, or a party—a god made by human hands."
From "A Faith for the Free" inThe Prophethood of All Believers
Read the closing quote.
Then take a moment to ask participants what they feel? Where they feel it in their body? And what they are called to do?
Then extinguish the chalice.
Take Home
Full length feature film: 13th (YouTube)
- Article: "Many cities are rethinking the police, but what are the alternatives?"
- Working Draft: Alternatives to Calling the Police During Mental Health Crises
- Alternatives to Calling the Police and Police an Justice Reforms
Alternatives to Calling the Police — list of options for community support (reddit image)
- What Is A Restorative Framework? Understanding the Social Discipline Window
UU World Article: New Orleans activists urged restorative justice for assailants who attacked two UUA employees
- Public Report: Truth Commission: South Africa
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu Reflects on Working Toward Peace
UU World Article: Defund Fear: How Can We Make Each Other Safer?